Sarasota officials suspend search for missing swimmer

Officials in Sarasota have suspended a search and rescue operation for a swimmer seen in distress off shore this evening.

Sarasota police said it halted its search due to inclement weather. The U.S. Coast Guard, however, will continue to look overnight for the missing 19-year-old black man, who was last seen off South Lido Beach Park in Sarasota.

The man was swimming with a friend about 6:30 p.m. about 50 to 75 yards off shore at 2201 Ben Franklin Drive when they became exhausted and decided to head back to the beach, police said. The two became separated, and the missing swimmer was last seen struggling by his friend, who made it to shore.

The search will continue at 6:30 a.m. Sunday with members of Sarasota police, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Coast Guard.